Ahhh, naive enthusiasm!
So, when all “those people” tell you there will be money for brand new farmers – they are right technically. But, not exactly.
I love when people get that uncomfortable look on their faces. Their face illustrates the battle going on behind their eyes. “Do I tell these idealistic newbies the cold hard truth?” “Do I dash their dream right here, or let it continue for a little while?” “Can they handle the truth?” Obviously they don’t know my husband or their battle would have been a short one. He’s pretty much a give it to me straight kind of guy. Wonderful truth.
So, the lease idea – may not work out too well. Apparently, and I find this pretty funny, you can’t get most loans unless you own the property. You can’t get a loan for property (from this specific program) until you have farmed for 3 years. You can’t farm unless you have property to work on. If you have a plan that yields a nifty profit, they can loan you money for livestock. That’s about it.
That wasn’t the truth he was chewing on. That’s just the hilarious catch 22.
“Um, well, you really need to go buy some property. Or lease a property that is already set up for cows. With the property you have in mind and the terms of your lease – you do not have a viable commercial farm potential” Well – hmmmm. So, what are we doing? We have no idea. We are sitting back, regrouping a bit, figuring out the next step.
To begin with, we pray, we consider – then we will have another family meeting. Does this mean the dream is dead – of course not! Just need to figure out the next step!
Darn, and I was so close to getting that truck and camper I have been hinting very strongly for over the past 20 years! I could even make a good case for it – farm truck (we do not have one of those yet) and seasonal housing at the leased farm. Oh well, back to the drawing board on that too!
On the upside, I am enjoying a couple of days partying with the senior citizens at the annual conference! This is entertaining!
brandnewfarmers 